Mercyhurst community members excel in Erie Reader’s 40 Under 40
Congratulations to four members of the Mercyhurst community featured in the Erie Reader's 40 Under 40: alumnae Amber Stilwell and Jenessa Norton, alumna and employee Bethany Woods, and Brandon J. Mendoza, a member of the Mercyhurst Board of Trustees.
Brandon J. Mendoza, president of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, is a new member of the Board of Trustees. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Mendoza served many leadership roles, mainly in the Pittsburgh area, before bringing his talent to Erie. His work in western Pennsylvania has had great impact, gaining millions of dollars in sponsorships and sealing billion-dollar contracts. His goals include making Erie “the most vibrant Great Lakes city.” He says he’s “happy to serve on the Board of Trustees for Mercyhurst University and excited to represent the board on the 40 Under 40 list.” We are proud to welcome Mendoza to our Laker community and look forward to his journey with us.
Jenessa Norton ’19, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance, uses her talents to help small businesses succeed. While attending school full time, Norton raised her 2-year old daughter and held down a full-time job. Norton said economics professor Selin Yalcindag “not only was one of the best professors I've ever had, but offered mentorship and emotional support.” She said she’s lucky to still be in touch with her former teacher. Since graduation, Norton has been dedicated to helping community members and businesses achieve financial goals. She has been contracted by several organizations and has served as board president for Erie’s Black Wall Street, a business adviser of the New Wall Street Ventures program, and as Northwestern Pennsylvania business assistance specialist for Bridgeway Capital. She opened her own consulting firm, Green Nest Consultants, in 2021, to help business owners.
Amber Stilwell ’13, earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and post-baccalaureate degree in Sustainability from Mercyhurst. She now is a coastal outreach specialist for Pennsylvania Sea Grant and a coordinator for the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program. Her environmental stewardship allows her to connect with the Erie community and advocate for protecting waterway resources. Stilwell’s time and mentorship at Mercyhurst, especially with Drs. Mike Campbell and Mike Elnitsky, bolstered her passion for the world of biology and limnology. She engaged and communicated science with the Mercyhurst student community through on-campus clubs, internships, and organizations. “My time at Mercyhurst helped shape my future as a person who cares deeply about the environment and wants to inspire others to care as well,” Stilwell said.
Bethany Woods ’11 came to Mercyhurst in 2007 to study Religious Studies and Sociology and now serves as the school’s director of academic community engagement. A longtime member of the Mercyhurst community, Woods has always embraced a service-oriented lifestyle. Through her experiences at Mercyhurst, both as a student and an employee, Woods said, she has learned the powers of service and partnership, always working to ensure our community partners have a voice. She has served as a Lake Effect Leader with the AmeriCorps VISTA program, and she now coordinates the Beyond the Gates program and organizes campus-wide volunteer projects. Graduating from Mercyhurst as a Carpe Diem awardee and working here since, Woods said, “I truly feel that Mercyhurst empowered me to seize every opportunity available and remain in the city that has given me a family and community.”
Mercyhurst is proud of our community members and all they accomplish. Carpe Diem!
PHOTO: (L-R Top) Brandon J. Mendoza and Jenessa Norton '19, as well as (L-R Bottom) Amber Stilwell '13 and Bethany Woods '11. (Photos courtesy of Jessica Hunter/Erie Reader).